Dan Merrill - Roofing - Home Improvement/Repair - Home/Garden

About > AllExperts
	Search for

Main Menu

Login (Experts Only)

About Us · FAQ · Tell Friends About Us · Link To Us · Free Encyclopedia · Disclaimer · Tech Support

You are here: AllExperts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > Roofing

Expert Profile: Dan Merrill

Expertise: We are a "green" roofing company. We offer information and advice on metal and synthetic cedar, tile, and slate roofing products. We also address good, sound installation practices for lifetime and slate roof installations. Generally speaking, we are experienced with any materials that have 50 year or longer, lifespans, such as copper, terne coated steels, Kynar painted Steel or Aluminum, etc. We offer no advice on asphalt or fiberglass roofing products.

Experience in the area
Was a hobbiest/home remodeler for over 30 years. Restored over 30 homes. After retiring from engineering (27 years), I studied materials and installation practices of high-end roofing materials. This information was tempered by my engineering experience. We have developed and sell roofing "kits" to roofing contractors who do not have the time to research rarely used roofing products. We ensure that they have all the required materials, tools and information to offer their customers a solid 50 year installation.

Organizations
National Association of Home Builders Fox Valley Builders Assoc. Illinois Association of Home Builders Remodelers Council of NAHB Metal Roofing Alliance EnergyStar provider

Publications
Our website www.ecowiseinc.com, Fox Tails, publication of the Fox Valley Builders Association

Education/Credentials
Tech certificate in Mechanical Drafting, 1978. Self-taught Engineer. Many certificates held. Have achieved NAHB "Certified Graduate Remodeler" designation. Licensed, insured & Bonded Roofer in Illinois.

Awards and Honors
Holder of many Patents, Member of Mensa

Ask a Question	View Past Answers	View Ratings

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field? Educate the public about the huge benefits of metal roofing, such as saving energy & no maintenance. You do not have to send huge dumpsters full of waste to a landfill every 15-20 years. A metal roof life is measured by decades & centuries. Some metal roofs "only" last 50+ years, some of the exotics last for centuries!

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know: Metal roofing has been used in this country for over 200 years! There are many examples of metal roofing still being servicable even after 100 to 200 years!

Something controversial or provocative about this subject Cedar roofs are not "green." The trees called "Western Red Cedar" in the past were actually cypress trees. They had to be over 200 years old to be useful for roofing. The old growth trees are gone. The average lifespan of a cedar roof today in the midwest is 12 to 18 years. Wouldn't it be better to use the cedar for something that is useful for many years, like a cedar chest or closet?

What do you like about this subject? Being able to greatly improve the curb appeal of a home by properly installing the roof apprpriate for the design of the home.

Average Ratings
Prestige Points: 1930
Knowledge	9.92 Best of the best
Clarity of Response	9.92 Best of the best
Timeliness	9.84 Best of the best
Politeness	9.97 Best of the best
Number Of Questions (in Past 24 Hours)		0
Max Questions to be Asked (in 24 Hour period)		3
Total Questions (since joining AllExperts)		240

Recent Reviews from Users

Knowl	Clarity	Time	Politeness	Date
10	10	10	10	06/26/08
10	10	10	10	06/12/08
10	10	10	10	06/09/08
10	10	9	10	06/03/08
10	10	10	10	05/19/08

User Comments

Thanks a million. You have been very helpful.
(Richard on 06/26/08)

Thanks - very helpful - inclusive of detail to support any complaint I might file. Good service! I'm assuming that Dan knows about the codes and p
(Marilyn Charm on 06/12/08)

Dear Mr. Merrill, Thank you for your expertise. Your answer was very helpful. I feel I have several areas to investigate and a good idea of what k
(Nicky on 06/09/08)

This is the clearest answer that I have received to date, thank you for bringing all of these pieces together into one picture.
(Mark on 05/19/08)

View All Comments

Ask a Question	View Past Answers	View Ratings

Recent Answers from Dan Merrill

2008-07-05 granular surface rolled roof: Building codes allow you to install 1 layer of new roofing over 1 layer of old roofing. Anything more than 1 layer must be torn off. Adding additional layers adds a lot of dead weight to a structure...

2008-06-30 metal roofs: aluminum or steel?: If a metal roof is installed against a wood deck, like plywood or OSB, it isn't really any louder than other roofs. People usually think of an old barn or pole barn roof, where the metal roof is installed...

2008-06-28 tin roof: Yes, if the asphalt roof is flat, as in not curled up. You usually have to lay down a layer of underlayment over the old shingles. We use synthetic underlayments, but a layer of roofing felt is good enough...

2008-06-25 Attic fan vs turbines: Turbines work well if you live in an area that has constant breezes during the hot months, which most areas do not. In most climates, daytime breezes are not enough for the turbines to work properly....

2008-06-21 Attic fan vs turbines: If installed correctly, a radiant barrier can work well, but it doesn't retro-fit well. You could reduce your attic temps a lot if you install an EnergyStar rated metal roof for your next re-roof....